In this video, I explain and demonstrate how to use colored slips to create a contrasting line design onto the surface of your leather hard clay form. This is the technique to use if you want your design to be flush with the surface of your clay form. It is a great way to add a layer of visual interest before the bisque firing.
The incised lines on the piece featured in this video were carved using a needle tool while the form was secured to the pottery wheel. If you want a more organic design you can simply carve your form off the wheel using an exacto/scalpel, needle tool, or stylus with a small fine ball end. Remember to carve a deep enough line so that when you scrap away the excess slip you do not scrap away your entire design. This technique works best when you want to carve finer lines with a width of 1/8" of less. If the line is too wide, often the slip will crack a bit when drying. For larger lines, it is best to use clay inlay where you are rolling coils of plastic clay to compress into your carved lines.
